Travel sonography is a unique and financially rewarding branch of diagnostic medical imaging. As of May 2025, travel sonographers in the United States earn an average weekly salary of $2,116, totaling around $110,073 per year. But actual income varies widely depending on location, experience, specialty, and even the agency or healthcare facility.
Whether you are a newly certified sonographer considering a travel role or an experienced imaging professional looking to maximize your income, understanding the nuances of travel sonographer pay is crucial. In this guide, we will dive into earnings across states like California and Texas, explore Canadian pay scales, and break down how hourly rates and weekly contracts impact your bottom line.
What Is a Travel Sonographer?
Before diving into the numbers, it helps to understand what travel sonographers do. Travel sonographers are ultrasound professionals who work temporary assignments in various locations across the country (or internationally). Assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks, but some can extend for several months.
These roles are in high demand in areas facing staff shortages, rural hospitals, specialty clinics, or seasonal staffing gaps. Travel sonographers enjoy flexibility, opportunities for exploration, and most importantly competitive pay packages often exceeding that of traditional roles.
Average Travel Sonographer Salary in the United States
On average, travel sonographers earn between $1,800 and $2,500 per week, depending on the employer, specialty, and region. That translates to an annual salary range of $90,000 to $130,000.
According to industry sources and current data from staffing agencies:
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Weekly Average: $2,116
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Annual Average: $110,073
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Hourly Rate: $45 to $75+
Many travel assignments also offer additional benefits like free housing, meal stipends, mileage reimbursement, and completion bonuses, which add real value to the compensation package.
Travel Sonographer Salary in California
California remains one of the top-paying states for travel sonographers. High living costs, healthcare demand, and workforce shortages in major cities contribute to elevated wages.
Key Salary Stats:
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Weekly Pay: $2,500 – $3,800
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Annual Salary: $106,000 – $130,000
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Top Cities: San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles
For example, a travel sonographer in San Jose can earn up to $2,481 per week, translating to $129,005 per year. These numbers can go even higher in specialized roles like vascular, cardiac, or OB/GYN sonography.
Additionally, California hospitals often include completion bonuses and shift differentials (extra pay for night or weekend shifts), making this state a financial hotspot for traveling professionals.
Travel Sonographer Salary in Texas
Texas is another popular destination for travel sonographers due to its mix of high-paying metro areas and strong healthcare infrastructure.
Key Salary Stats:
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Average Weekly Pay: $2,054
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Annual Salary: $106,800
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Top Cities: Austin, San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo
In cities like San Angelo, where healthcare demand is rising, top earners can command $3,000+ per week. While Texas may not top California’s pay, the cost of living is considerably lower, which means take-home pay stretches further.
Many facilities in Texas offer extended contracts, which can mean more stability and financial consistency over time.
Travel Sonographer Salary in Canada
If you’re considering international travel sonography, Canada offers competitive hourly pay and comprehensive benefits.
Key Salary Stats:
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Hourly Pay: $40 – $80
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Annual Salary: $90,000 – $113,000
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Top Provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Northern Territories
Travel sonographers in Ontario and Alberta earn around $50.79 per hour, while remote regions like Northern Ontario offer up to $80 per hour due to higher demand.
Canada also tends to include housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and health insurance, making it a favorable destination, especially for U.S. citizens with dual licensing or the ability to work abroad.
Travel Sonographer Salary per Hour
Hourly pay is one of the most straightforward metrics to measure compensation. Travel sonographers typically earn:
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$45 to $75 per hour
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High-demand specialties or urgent placements can exceed $80 per hour
The hourly rate depends on factors such as:
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Your specialty (e.g., vascular, OB/GYN, echocardiography)
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Years of experience
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The urgency or short-staffed nature of the assignment
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Shift type (day, night, weekend, on-call)
An assignment offering $70/hour for 40 hours/week equals a $2,800 weekly check, not including stipends or bonuses.
Weekly & Monthly Pay Breakdown
Let’s break the numbers down to weekly and monthly earnings for perspective:
| Type | Average Range |
|---|---|
| Per Hour | $45 – $75+ |
| Per Week | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Per Month | $7,200 – $10,000+ |
| Per Year | $90,000 – $130,000+ |
Some contracts also allow for overtime, extra shifts, or holiday pay, significantly boosting your take-home.
Travel Sonographer Salary by Location: Comparison Chart
| Location | Hourly Pay | Weekly Pay | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $45 – $75+ | $1,800 – $2,500 | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| California | $50 – $80 | $2,500 – $3,800 | Up to $130,000 |
| Texas | $45 – $70 | Avg. $2,054 | $106,800+ |
| Canada | $40 – $80 | Varies | $90,000 – $113,000 |
Factors That Affect Travel Sonographer Salaries
Several key elements impact how much you can earn as a travel sonographer:
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Location: States with high demand (California, New York, Texas) pay more.
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Experience: The more years under your belt, the more leverage you have.
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Specialization: Cardiac and vascular sonographers often earn higher pay.
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Shift Timing: Evening, night, and weekend shifts come with bonuses.
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Certification & Credentials: Having RDMS, RVT, or RDCS credentials can boost your salary.
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Agency Contracts: Some agencies offer higher rates, housing, and bonuses.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Beyond base pay, travel sonographers often receive:
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Free housing or housing stipends
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Meal and travel reimbursements
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Health and dental insurance
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License and certification reimbursements
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401(k) plans with employer matching
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Paid time off or end-of-assignment bonuses
These benefits can add thousands in annual value, especially when traveling to high-cost areas.
Is Being a Travel Sonographer Worth It?
If you enjoy flexibility, adventure, and higher-than-average pay, then yes—travel sonography can be extremely rewarding.
Pros:
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High pay compared to permanent roles
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Tax-free stipends and bonuses
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Ability to travel and explore new places
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Faster skills development across diverse clinical environments
Cons:
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Temporary contracts (you’ll be relocating often)
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Away from family/friends
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Licensing requirements vary by state
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No long-term job security unless extended
Tips to Maximize Your Travel Sonographer Income
Here’s how to make the most of this career path:
✅ Get Certified in High-Demand Specialties – RDMS, RDCS, RVT make you more marketable.
✅ Work with Multiple Agencies – Compare offers for the best rates and benefits.
✅ Be Open to Relocation – Go where the demand is highest.
✅ Take High-Paying Shifts – Nights and weekends pay more.
✅ Negotiate Your Contract – Don’t accept the first offer. Ask about bonuses, stipends, and reimbursements.
Conclusion: Is Travel Sonography a Financially Smart Career?
Absolutely. Travel sonographers enjoy some of the highest salaries in the ultrasound field, with weekly pay exceeding $2,500 in many cases. When you add in housing stipends, bonuses, and the freedom to choose your schedule and location, it becomes an even more attractive option.
Whether you are in California making $3,800/week or earning $80/hour in rural Canada, the flexibility and earning potential of this career are clear. If you have the credentials, skills, and a sense of adventure, travel sonography offers both professional satisfaction and long-term financial rewards.
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FAQs:
How much do travel sonographers make per week in 2025?
As of 2025, travel sonographers typically earn between $1,800 and $2,500 per week in the United States. In high-demand areas like California, rates can go up to $3,800 per week depending on experience and specialty. Factors such as assignment location, clinical experience, and certifications greatly impact weekly earnings.
What is the average hourly rate for travel sonographers in the U.S.?
Travel sonographers in the U.S. usually earn between $45 and $75 per hour, depending on location, credentials, and assignment type. High-demand areas like New York and California may offer rates exceeding $80 per hour, especially for specialized roles like cardiac or vascular sonography.
Do travel sonographers get additional benefits besides salary?
Yes! Many travel sonographers receive extra perks such as housing stipends, meal allowances, travel reimbursements, and health insurance. Some assignments also offer completion bonuses and license reimbursement. These benefits help offset living expenses and make travel sonography financially rewarding.
Where do travel sonographers earn the most?
Travel sonographers tend to earn the most in California, New York, and Texas, with weekly rates reaching up to $3,800 or more in cities like San Jose or Los Angeles. Remote or underserved regions may also offer higher pay to attract skilled professionals, especially with specialty certifications.
Can new graduates work as travel sonographers?
While it’s possible, most agencies prefer candidates with at least one year of clinical experience before starting travel assignments. However, new grads can still find opportunities with mentorship or structured onboarding. Gaining initial experience in a hospital setting boosts your chances for higher-paying travel roles down the road.
Disclaimer: This content is based on publicly available information and industry data. Salary estimates are approximate and may vary depending on experience, location, and job role. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, career, or legal advice.